On Friday 24 January the five-star The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa will kick off its 2014 Food & Wine Pairing series in Azure Restaurant with a four-course culinary tour de force, courtesy of Executive Chef Christo Pretorius and winemaker De Wet Viljoen from Neethlingshof Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.
Azure Restaurant has been going from strength to strength since appointing Executive Chef Christo Pretorius last September. The young chef’s innovative new menus feature only the very best quality local, fresh and seasonal produce and perfectly complement Azure’s unique seaside location within Leading Hotels of the World member The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. Pretorius is ably assisted in his quest for epicurean excellence by rising star of the SA wine scene, Head Sommelier Gregory Mutambe, who presides over Azure’s award-winning wine list.
Neethlingshof Wine Estate in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands is flanked by the Bottelary Hills and Papegaaisberg Mountains and is steeped in history, dating back to 1705. Neethlingshof features 13 distinguishable terroirs and a site that has enabled the estate to enhance the natural flavour and aroma of its range of wines. The Neethlingshof reserve tier, the ‘Short Story Collection’, draws attention to the estate’s rich and varied narratives based on its philosophy or history; in addition the winery offers a range of premium red and white varietals. Neethlingshof is a member of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative (BWI), highlighting its commitment to eco-sustainability.
The evening will commence with Seaweed-cured Salmon Trout with crispy potato, prawn, asparagus and lemon vinaigrette, accompanied by Neethlingshof’s Six Flowers 2012 White Blend. Chef Pretorius will follow this first course with Duck Terrine – liver parfait, pickled onion, port gel, pistachio crumble and fig chutney, for which Neethlingshof has selected its Gewurtztraminer 2013, off-dry with a spicy character, traces of Turkish delight and a zesty finish. Caramelized Pork Belly will be served as the main course, with spiced beetroot purée, garlic polenta, dried fruit paste and tonka bean jus. This meaty dish will be matched with the Neethlingshof Malbec 2012 from its Premium Red Wine Collection – floral and violet fragrances interwoven with oak, spice and dark chocolate.
A seasonal Study of Peach completes the evening – a delicate combination of peach mousse, macerated peach salad, peach granite, white chocolate frangipane coconut gel and petite beurre. The fruity dessert will be complemented by Maria Noble Late Harvest 2013 from Neethlingshof’s Short Story Collection. Dinner will be rounded off with coffee and tea, presented with a selection of Petits Fours.
Neethlingshof Dinner
Friday 24 January 2014
Azure Restaurant at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
19h00 for 19h30
R495 per person (includes wine, water, tea and coffee)
Bookings are essential: contact restaurant reservations on 021 437 9029 or [email protected]
